Access to Capital: Food Beverage and Agricultural Entrepreneurs

Are you in the food, beverage, or agricultural industry in New York City? On Thursday, October 24th, attend a FREE workshop sponsored by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the Department of Agriculture and Markets, Hot Bread Kitchen, SlowMoneyNYC, Hana Kitchens, Bronx Cookspace (WHEDCO),the Entrepreneur Space and Brooklyn Small Business Development Center.

Get the inside perspective from experts about:
•Which type of financing is most appropriate for you
•What lenders look for in potential borrowers
•Alternatives to traditional bank loans
•How to successfully deliver your pitch

Lunch will be provided
DATE: Thursday, October 24, 2019
TIME: 10:00 am-2:30 pm
LOCATION: Community Room, Borough Hall
209 Joralemon, Brooklyn, NY
REGISTER
*Registration required

Mazars Food & Beverage Forum

You’re Invited

This year we will be hosting our third annual Emerging Companies Contest. Selected contestants will be allowed to display a table of their product(s). during the networking and cocktail hour. Guests will be able to stop by each table and vote for their favorite company. The number of contestants is limited and will be chosen based on the quality of responses in their entry form and on a first come, first serve basis. The winner will receive a $2500 prize! If you or someone you know is interested in participating, please fill out the form on our event landing page.

Download PDF Flyer

Stew’s Tank

Stew Leonard’s is looking for the next hot product! And through our first-ever Stew’s Tank competition, customers will help us decide which items make it to our shelves!Stew’s Tank will provide the opportunity for locally based New York food companies to present their products directly to the Stew Leonard’s Buying Team. If selected, they’ll earn the chance to sell their product at the Stew Leonard’s store in East Meadow, N.Y.Are you a locally-based New York food company? If so, click below to submit your product!

LEARN MORE

National ASSOC of Letter Carriers Food Drive

The Long Island Food Council is helping Island Harvest to get the word out about this important collection event ? It’s called the National ASSOC of Letter Carriers Food Drive – slated for May 11, 2019.

Here’s how it works –

Residents can put a can of food (or more) at their mailbox and the letter carrier picks the food up and delivers to Island Harvest. We hope to collect over 500,000 lbs. this year. Imagine how many meals this would support for vulnerable Long Islanders?
In the past, we commonly hear from LI’ers stating they had not hear about the drive but would have participated. Please share this post to help Island Harvest reach its goals.

In addition Island Harvest is looking for 700 volunteers and teams – families and businesses to help on May 13 and 14 from 8 am to 8 pm (two hour shifts).

View the PDF

Post MTRC/LIFC Consultant’s Meeting

On Feb. 27, 2019, the Long Island Food Council in partnership with Manufacturing and Technology Resource Consortium (MTRC) held an educational meeting for the LIFC members who are acting consultants in their area of expertise.

The Evening’s Highlights:

Upon arrival, each consultant received a folder containing information about MTRC programs.
Cynthia Colon presented the requirements and steps needed to apply, qualify, and receive the MTRC consulting and manufacturing grants.
Michael Tucker, President of the LIFC further detailed the value, support, and incentives the MTRC offers to food and beverage companies on Long Island.
Members enjoyed a delicious three-course dinner in the vibrant setting of Sage Bistro in Woodbury
Good vibes and lots of fun!

The LIFC networking meetings and educational seminars are an excellent opportunity to connect with professionals and grow your business!

Check out our calendar. There’s many exciting things happening in the coming months. We’re looking forward to seeing you at our next event.

A letter from the Long Island Food Council President

It has been an exciting year of growth for the
Long Island Food Council both in membership and educational awareness. The LIFC is positioned at the crossroad of food, beverage, beer, wine and agricultural businesses, allowing the council to solve problems that mutually affect the entire industry.

In 2018

We partnered with MTRC to provide grants to food and beverage companies.
We shared information on ADA compliancy and discussed food safety
Social media continues to be a main focus-how to use it to a company’s advantage and build market share.
Effective Marketing trends
The redesign of the LIFC website, introduction of the Marketplace and member section to ask questions and exchange ideas. This will allow the dialogue from our monthly meetings to continue.
Networking opportunities including additional east end events as well as our current 12 monthly meetings
Community outreach- supporting the efforts of Island Harvest

In 2019

We are building a member directory on the re-designed LIFC website
Increase product distribution through multi channel marketing, pop up shops and other selling opportunities
Build a buyer base for members to access through the member section on the website.
Educational panels that focus on industry specific concerns
Launch of a plant based page and blog on the website for companies that market to a health conscious consumer
The Long Island Food Council would like to thank you for your support. Your company is an integral part of our organization.

Michael Tucker – President, Long Island Food Council

Woman’s Empowerment Circle

Merrill S. Zorn Recognized as a Long Island Power Woman in Business

Making a difference in the community!

Wednesday, May 9, 2018

This award recognizes influential women on Long Island who contribute to their community making it a better place to work and live.

Merrill’s effort goes beyond her local area, she collaborates with numerous

non-profit organizations across Long Island. From donating food to Long Island Cares to rappelling 170 feet down the side of a building for EAC Over the Edge to help struggling families on Long Island and NYC (to name a few), she does whatever she can to make a difference!

Keep an eye out, and you will see #Merrillonthemove somewhere in your neighborhood!

What is Ten Feet Tall and Filled with MUD?

Dear Friends,

You know when you get to the bottom of your MUD bucket and you use your fingers to scoop out the last remaining ounces?

Well, we’re popping in to share some big news that will enable you to get your hands on more MUD more easily!Right NOW!

We recently produced and shipped over 3,000 pounds of MUD to 83 Wegmans supermarket locations! That’s enough to fill a 10 foot tall tub! Can you imagine?
MUD is now available at Wegmans in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Maryland and Virginia!

We’re so grateful that you’re on this journey with us. We couldn’t feel more privileged to create a non-dairy plant based all-real-food dessert for you that brings nutrition, delight, and high vibrational, positive vibes.

Want to come meet us as we tour some of the new stores
carrying MUD? Stay tuned for updates on where we will be touring!

Be Well.Eat MUD!
Sam and Miriam

August Monthly Meeting Recap

The Long Island Food Council continues to grow! This month it was standing room only at the beautiful Park Place Restaurant & Bar! We had a packed morning with 5 presentations scheduled.

Kelly from All American Wontons, was able to cook a few of her flavors for us.

Next, we tasted Chef Pete’s sauces straight from The Greek Place’s kitchen!

We then sweetened up the presentations, which showcases from Java Melts & Scalco Sweets.

Lastly we saw a technology presentation from Just Mangia, a mobile food ordering app for local restaurants on Long Island.

It was also announced that our next meeting will be held at Island Harvest’s Hauppauge Office on September 25th. It will be the final meeting before the October 17th Taste of the Harvest Celebration.

If you would like to join one of our meetings, or feature your food/beverage product, please email Info@LongIslandFoodCouncil.com. See you next month!

WeiserMazars Food and Beverage Industry CFO Boot Camp

Save the date for our third annual WeiserMazars Food and Beverage Industry CFO Boot Camp on June 15, 2016!

We created this event as a result of our popular Food and Beverage Industry CEO Best Practices Forums and the need for more in-depth topical coverage for the industry CFO.

World class speakers from leading companies in the fields of Finance, M&A, Accounting and Tax, will cover issues of specific concern to food and beverage CFOs. We’re excited to welcome this year’s stellar speaker lineup including, keynote speaker Paul N. Leone, President, The Breakers Palm Beach.

Keep an eye out for our formal invitation which will highlight more information on this year’s speakers and topics.

This event is open to CFOs and financial executives.

Ready to register now? Click here!

Paleo Factory at the Chocolate Expo!

The Paleo Factory is proud to announce that they will be at the Chocolate Expo this Sunday at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City. Click the banner below for more info and Purchase tickets here!

LI Commercial Real Estate Expo 2016

Wednesday, March 16th the Hilton will be holding the 2016 Commercial Real Estate Expo. Click Here to purchase tickets.

Hilton Long Island

598 Broad Hollow Road

Melville, NY 11747

Check out the Commercial Real Estate Expo Facebook Page here. And Visit their website at http://www.longislandrealestateexpo.com/

Follow our page on LinkedIn

If you are a business professional and are on LinkedIn, feel free to FOLLOW our page. Here is the direct link to visit and share!

https://www.linkedin.com/company/long-island-food-council

GAP & GHP Resources

As mentioned in this morning’s meeting, here is a quick overview of both GAP & GHP directly from the United States Department of Agriculture. Click Here to Read More

Also an overview by Virginia Tech here.

And more from the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets.

Inaugural East End Event was a huge success!

THANK YOU to all our sponsors. And a big thanks to all participants who made this event a success.

To view slide show click on image to enlarge and scroll with arrows.

What is Ten Feet Tall and Filled with MUD?

Dear Friends,

You know when you get to the bottom of your MUD bucket and you use your fingers to scoop out the last remaining ounces?

Well, we’re popping in to share some big news that will enable you to get your hands on more MUD more easily!Right NOW!

Want to come meet us as we tour some of the new stores
carrying MUD? Stay tuned for updates on where we will be touring!

Be Well.Eat MUD!
Sam and Miriam

State Agriculture Department Expands Business Opportunities for Home Food Processors

For Immediate Release: April 30, 2018

Doubles Products Approved to be Sold from a Home Kitchen

Small Home Processing Businesses Can Now Sell Products Online in New York State

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball today announced that the Department of Agriculture and Markets has expanded its list of food products that are approved to be made and sold from a home kitchen. Additionally, the Department is now allowing home processors to sell their products online within New York State in addition to selling direct from home or at a farmers’ market. These changes will allow small home businesses to increase their customer base and reach new markets, and are the latest actions taken to make doing business in New York easier, especially for small entities. Home processors are exempt from obtaining an Article 20-C food processing license and Article 28 retail food store license but are required to register with the Department.

Commissioner Ball said, “Ensuring the safety of our food supply is a critical function of the Department and that includes overseeing the home processors in our State. The Department is pleased to be able to expand the list of foods that entrepreneurs can safely make in their home kitchens, and that they can now sell to the public from their home business and also online.”

As of this month, the Department has nearly doubled the number of food items that home processors are permitted to sell to consumers, adding 19 products, such as repackaging of dried soup mixes, dehydrated/dried fruits and vegetables, trail mix, toffee/caramel apples, plus many more, to its original list. To protect public health and to minimize the potential of food product adulteration, the home processor exemption allows the following non-potentially hazardous home processed foods:

• Breads (not containing fruits and/or vegetables)
• Rolls and/or Cinnamon Rolls
• Biscuits
• Bagels
• Doughnuts
• Cookies
• Cakes
• Cake Pops (no chocolate or candy melts)
• Cupcakes
• Brownies
• Double-crust fruit pies
• Scones
• Fruit jams, jellies, and marmalades made with high acid/low pH fruits
• Repacking/blending of commercially dried spices or herbs
• Repackaging dried or dehydrated vegetables
• Repackaging dried soup mixes
• Repackaging dried fruit
• Repackaging of dried pasta
• Repackaging dry baking mixes
• Seasoning salt
• Fudge
• Popcorn/Caramel corn
• Peanut brittle
• Rice Krispies Treats
• Granola and trail mix (using commercially roasted nuts)
• Candy (excluding chocolate)
• Waffle cones and pizelles
• Toffee/caramel apples
• Confections, including toffees, caramels, hard candies
• Vegetable chips, including potato chips
• Crackers
• Pretzels
The updated list of approved foods, prohibited foods and additional information on how to register to become a home food processor is posted on the Department’s website at https://www.agriculture.ny.gov/FS/consumer/FSI-898D_Home_Processor.pdf. The Department will review the list of approved products/ingredients annually and update its policy accordingly.

Home processors are also now permitted all modes of delivery and sales within New York State, including direct from their home, to a retail store or at a farmers’ market, community support agriculture subscription, and online.

“Across our state, there are countless people seeking to launch businesses from their home kitchens,” said Senator Patty Ritchie. “I have been proud to advocate for cutting red tape to help home food processors start or expand their ventures, while still protecting consumer safety. I am pleased the state is reforming these regulations, and can’t wait to see how changes help to grow businesses and allow more people to experience the ‘good taste’ of these talented entrepreneurs.”

About the Department’s Division of Food Safety and Inspection
The Division of Food Safety and Inspection works to ensure that the food and feed supply is safe for New Yorkers to consume. This is the Department’s largest division, with a staff of approximately 150 full-time employees, covering every county in the state.

In addition to regular inspections, the Division handles licensing of the State’s food processing and retail food establishments, collects food products for analysis by the Department’s Food Laboratory, investigates consumer complaints of foodborne illnesses, and verifies product labeling.

The Division has a robust food surveillance program, regularly discovering products found to contain undeclared ingredients and live pathogens. Most recently, the Division was involved in several investigations regarding products contaminated with heavy metals and industrial dyes. This work received recognition by the FDA, led to several recalls, found at https://www.agriculture.ny.gov/AD/alertList.asp, and seizure of several tons of contaminated products.

The Division also hosts New York’s Commercial Animal Feed, Pet Food and Farm Products programs. For more information on the Division’s compliance history and types of deficiencies commonly observed, please visit the Department’s website at https://www.agriculture.ny.gov/FS/FSHome.html.

CONTACT:

Jola Szubielski – 518-457-0752
Jola.Szubielski@agriculture.ny.gov

Dave Bullard – 315-487-7711 x1377
Dave.Bullard@agriculture.ny.gov

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